Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of molecular biology and pharmacology. More particularly, it concerns the use of abscissic acid to treat various diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and neuromuscular diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to peptides useful for releasing active agent in the fields of diagnostics and drug delivery.

Abstract: A variety of compositions that are particularly applicable for removing one or more of resist, etching residue, planarization residue, and copper oxide from a substrate comprising copper and a low-k dielectric material are described. The resist, residues, and copper oxide are removed by contacting the substrate surface with the composition, typically for a period of 30 seconds to 30 minutes, and at a temperature between 25° and 45° C. The composition includes a fluoride-providing component; at least 1% by weight of a water miscible organic solvent; an organic acid; and at least 81% by weight water. Typically the composition further includes up to about 0.4% of one or more chelators.

Abstract: A composition having sustained pain-relieving properties such that the composition may be administered to a subject to alleviate chronic pain. The composition includes an effective amount of at least one glutaminase inhibitor. A method for alleviating chronic pain in a subject for an extended period of time is also disclosed, in which the compound is administered to a subject suffering from chronic pain at a site of inflammation such that the administration of the compound results in a reduction in at least one of thermal and mechanical pain responses at the site of inflammation for a period of at least two days without any resulting acute pain behavior. The composition may further include an effective amount of at least one compound having analgesic effects such that the composition also alleviates acute pain.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and beverage dispenser on both the front and the back of the refrigerator improves efficiency and utilization of the refrigerator. Home floor plans include passageways through interior walls whereby a user can access a second dispenser of the kitchen refrigerator from an adjacent room, thus increasing access to the refrigerator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover-collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The decorative covers and/or collars are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A flexible denture is provided with a denture plate and a false teeth assembly. The denture plate includes a support member and a deformable member. The support member has an approximately U-shaped base, a labial wall and a lingual wall extending from the base, wherein the labial and lingual walls form an approximate U-shaped cross-section along an imaginary vertical plane to form a channel. The deformable member extending across the channel and spaced a distance from the U-shaped base to separate the channel into a gum receiving section and a fitting section, the fitting section including a plurality of ridges extending between the U-shaped base and the deformable member. The deformable member is constructed of soft and pliable material. The false teeth assembly includes a plurality of false teeth secured to the base, the false teeth assembly includes a reinforcing bar embedded within and connecting the plurality of false teeth.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods and compositions are provided comprising titanium dioxide and silica spacers having improved light stability for use in paper, plastic and paints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.

Abstract: A combination liquid and gas separator and jetting tool includes a housing containing a rotatable drum, a stator in the inlet end of the housing for swirling a liquid/gas mixture, a rotor attached to the drum for rotation by the mixture; whereby the gas and liquid are separated. The liquid and gas are discharged through separate restricted orifices downstream of the drum. Orifices can be located in a rotating head for cleaning, cutting or other downhole operations.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data generated by a logger within a concrete mass and for displaying mechanical data to a device for outside the concrete mass. The method includes the step of sensing, processing, and recording the mechanical data generated by the logger within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is protected from alteration while the mechanical data is within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is transferred to an external device with a first protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is transferred to a computer with a second protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is decoded in the computer and displayed on a user interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for enhancing the traffic carrying capacity of telecommunication networks, in particular those involving optical networks and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM).

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device including a shutter assembly, a control circuit, and a power supply. The control circuit includes a sensing circuit for sensing the occurrence of welding, and a delivery circuit to provide signals to the shutter assembly to cause the shutter assembly to transition to the dark state. The power supply supplying power to the control circuit and the delivery circuit. The power supply including a power regulation circuit, and a solar power supply supplying electrical power to the power regulation circuit and the sensing circuit. The power regulation circuit limiting the voltage of the solar power supply to a predetermined voltage to provide a stable reference voltage.

Abstract: Methods and systems for waking an individual to an alert condition such as smoke or a fire have greatly improved ability to wake sleeping individuals compared to conventional methods. For example, preferred waking devices include a fluid spray directed toward the head of a bed and the person sleeping in that bed. Used in conjunction with standard digital processing techniques, the systems offer greatly improved reliability and the ability to save lives.

Abstract: A test cell and method for stress testing a test specimen including a first platen and a second platen. Each platen having a loading surface, an inclined surface, and a longitudinal axis. The inclined surface being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle and the inclined surface having a specimen recess formed therein for receiving a portion of the test specimen such that when the inclined surface of the second platen is positioned in a face-to-face relationship with the inclined surface of the first platen, a shear stress is applied to the test specimen when an axial load is applied to the first and second platens. The platens further including fluid ports to subject the test specimen to fluid flow at various pressures and fluid chemistries and ultrasonic transducers to determine acoustic, compressional, and shear wave velocities and in multiple orientations.

Abstract: A totally implantable hearing system having a sound processing device, a coil assembly, and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly is implanted in the middle ear of a user and is in contact with at least a portion of an ossicle of the middle ear. The sound processing device receives and converts sound into an electrical signal. The coil assembly is preferably implanted within the bony canal wall adjacent the outer ear canal of the user such that at least a portion of the coil assembly extends into the middle ear space of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Gram-negative glycosaminoglycan gene and methods of making and using same. The present invention relates to recombinant Gram-positive host cells containing a Gram-negative glycosaminoglycan synthase gene, and methods of producing glycosaminoglycans using such recombinant host cells.

Abstract: A method of separating metal particulates from a slurry of original constituents of liquid metal and metal particulates and salt particulates is disclosed. The metal and salt particulates are concentrated by removing at least some of the liquid metal, and then, liquid metal or a liquid of the original salt constituent or a mixture thereof is passed through the particulates at a temperature greater than the melting point of the original salt constituent to further concentrate the metal particulates. The metal particulates are then separated from the remaining original constituents or a mixture of the salt constituent. Density differences between the liquid metal and salt are also used to facilitate separation.